LA PREMIERE
04/11/22
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE Much Ado About Nothing NEW
website
review by Marina Sklyar
Much Ado About Nothing was absolutely hilarious and very entertaining.
The set design was fantastic with seamless transitions between the different scenes.
This lively, modern adaption of Shakespeare’s heart-warming story was beautifully portrayed with some added comedic moments.
Further, the costumes were a perfect match to the story and the live band and singing made the play even more enjoyable. It is definitely worth a watch.
website
review by Marina Sklyar
Much Ado About Nothing was absolutely hilarious and very entertaining.
The set design was fantastic with seamless transitions between the different scenes.
This lively, modern adaption of Shakespeare’s heart-warming story was beautifully portrayed with some added comedic moments.
Further, the costumes were a perfect match to the story and the live band and singing made the play even more enjoyable. It is definitely worth a watch.
BONES AND ALL NEW
website
review by David Black and Grace Liu
Cannibal Erotica
Grace and I were excited to attend the media screening of “Bones and All” at the Palace Cinema in Como. It’s a beautiful, classy cinema and we were expecting an Italian “coming of age” romance film that would have a touch of horror. At least, that is what all the advertising we received intimated.
The official description of the movie is “Bones and All” is a story of first love between Maren (Taylor Russell), a young woman learning how to survive on the margins of society, and Lee (Timothée Chalamet), an intense and disenfranchised drifter…" The poster itself shows two young people with dirty faces staring lovingly into each other’s eyes, while the space between them forms the shape of a heart.
Don’t believe it! This film is a disturbing cannibal film with a bit of erotica toward the end. Personally, I was lucky because I love a good horror movie and was afraid that I was going to be stuck watching an Italian coming of age romance film.
The official blurb about the movie starts with “From Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures comes “Bones and All,” a movie about love, directed by Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me by Your Name”), who recently won the Silver Lion for Best Director at the 2022 Venice Film Festival for the film.”
This is not an Italian film. The main “Italian” thing that the director Luca Guadagnino will be remembered for is that he now joins the ranks of famous Italian horror directors such as Dario Argento, Mario Bava and Lucio Fulci. This film is set in the southern states of the USA and takes us through one country town after another, while the dialogue is all southern American drawl.
This movie is pure horror from the start, as we see our main character, Maren Yearly (played by Taylor Russell), sneaking out to join her friends at a party. The music is tense, the trees are ominously swaying while the framing and lighting of the shot is spooky. And the gore? It starts early as we are shocked to find out that she is a Cannibal when she attacks one of her friends.
In one way, this could be called a coming of age film because Maren is just 18 years old and will be going on a journey to find out more about what she is, and maybe even why. She has a recording by her father, who has abandoned her, to listen to along the way and to give her clues. It is not a coming of age film in the usual sense because you aren’t going to apply any of what she learnt to your own life. This film is just too way out there for that!
Along the way, Maren meets an interesting character called Sully (played by Mark Rylance) early in the piece. He is an older man, who is also a cannibal, and seems to offer her information on who and what she is.
Mark does an outstanding job of playing this role. Sully is somewhat of a philosopher and romantic. The turns of phrase and his delivery of the lines is one of the things that makes this film unique and twisted. I found it stomach churning to find that I could actually identify with the feelings and motivations of people that were so horrific.
Our young love interest, Lee, is played by Timothée Chalamet. Lee at first seems like a punk but this guy isn’t really part of a subculture. The reason why Maren, Lee and Sully are on the outskirts of society is purely due to their need to feed on human flesh. If there is a subculture, it is one shared by all cannibals and shaped by their common experiences.
This is a film that will not only appeal to the gorehounds out there but it is likely to become a cult hit that will be watched for many years to come. It has style, pathos and is twisted in all the right places. If you were looking for a touching, romantic, coming of age film … you are best looking elsewhere.
website
review by David Black and Grace Liu
Cannibal Erotica
Grace and I were excited to attend the media screening of “Bones and All” at the Palace Cinema in Como. It’s a beautiful, classy cinema and we were expecting an Italian “coming of age” romance film that would have a touch of horror. At least, that is what all the advertising we received intimated.
The official description of the movie is “Bones and All” is a story of first love between Maren (Taylor Russell), a young woman learning how to survive on the margins of society, and Lee (Timothée Chalamet), an intense and disenfranchised drifter…" The poster itself shows two young people with dirty faces staring lovingly into each other’s eyes, while the space between them forms the shape of a heart.
Don’t believe it! This film is a disturbing cannibal film with a bit of erotica toward the end. Personally, I was lucky because I love a good horror movie and was afraid that I was going to be stuck watching an Italian coming of age romance film.
The official blurb about the movie starts with “From Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures comes “Bones and All,” a movie about love, directed by Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me by Your Name”), who recently won the Silver Lion for Best Director at the 2022 Venice Film Festival for the film.”
This is not an Italian film. The main “Italian” thing that the director Luca Guadagnino will be remembered for is that he now joins the ranks of famous Italian horror directors such as Dario Argento, Mario Bava and Lucio Fulci. This film is set in the southern states of the USA and takes us through one country town after another, while the dialogue is all southern American drawl.
This movie is pure horror from the start, as we see our main character, Maren Yearly (played by Taylor Russell), sneaking out to join her friends at a party. The music is tense, the trees are ominously swaying while the framing and lighting of the shot is spooky. And the gore? It starts early as we are shocked to find out that she is a Cannibal when she attacks one of her friends.
In one way, this could be called a coming of age film because Maren is just 18 years old and will be going on a journey to find out more about what she is, and maybe even why. She has a recording by her father, who has abandoned her, to listen to along the way and to give her clues. It is not a coming of age film in the usual sense because you aren’t going to apply any of what she learnt to your own life. This film is just too way out there for that!
Along the way, Maren meets an interesting character called Sully (played by Mark Rylance) early in the piece. He is an older man, who is also a cannibal, and seems to offer her information on who and what she is.
Mark does an outstanding job of playing this role. Sully is somewhat of a philosopher and romantic. The turns of phrase and his delivery of the lines is one of the things that makes this film unique and twisted. I found it stomach churning to find that I could actually identify with the feelings and motivations of people that were so horrific.
Our young love interest, Lee, is played by Timothée Chalamet. Lee at first seems like a punk but this guy isn’t really part of a subculture. The reason why Maren, Lee and Sully are on the outskirts of society is purely due to their need to feed on human flesh. If there is a subculture, it is one shared by all cannibals and shaped by their common experiences.
This is a film that will not only appeal to the gorehounds out there but it is likely to become a cult hit that will be watched for many years to come. It has style, pathos and is twisted in all the right places. If you were looking for a touching, romantic, coming of age film … you are best looking elsewhere.
Stars at Noon NEW
website
review by David Black
The only thing steamier than the hot tropical climate of Nicaragua are the sex scenes.
This is a slow burn erotic thriller with the pacing and feel of an old noir detective flick. Margaret Qualley plays Trish, a failed journalist that is surviving as a call girl in a volatile and precarious world of political intrigue. She’s a free spirit playing a dangerous game and loving it. This lady is not looking for an easy time and often provokes the trouble as she sleeps with politicians and military officers.
Trish makes the mistake of falling in love with a Daniel, a suave, mysterious British man, played by Joe Alwyn. We’re never quite sure of what Daniel is exactly, but he is a hot rock that is wanted by the Nicaraguan military and the CIA. Trish burns her hands handling this one and the fragile balance of her life is tipped over completely as they have to try to get out of the country.
The story line is often murky but the main focus of the film is to present an erotic thriller framed by menace. The constant presence of soldiers, the pandemic itself and a steady stream of murders give us the foundation of sex and death as Trish delivers lines worthy of Mae West.
website
review by David Black
The only thing steamier than the hot tropical climate of Nicaragua are the sex scenes.
This is a slow burn erotic thriller with the pacing and feel of an old noir detective flick. Margaret Qualley plays Trish, a failed journalist that is surviving as a call girl in a volatile and precarious world of political intrigue. She’s a free spirit playing a dangerous game and loving it. This lady is not looking for an easy time and often provokes the trouble as she sleeps with politicians and military officers.
Trish makes the mistake of falling in love with a Daniel, a suave, mysterious British man, played by Joe Alwyn. We’re never quite sure of what Daniel is exactly, but he is a hot rock that is wanted by the Nicaraguan military and the CIA. Trish burns her hands handling this one and the fragile balance of her life is tipped over completely as they have to try to get out of the country.
The story line is often murky but the main focus of the film is to present an erotic thriller framed by menace. The constant presence of soldiers, the pandemic itself and a steady stream of murders give us the foundation of sex and death as Trish delivers lines worthy of Mae West.
The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute NEW
website
review by Cassandra Joy
Cassandra Van Zeyl
The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute is a comedic spin on the traditional Nutcracker tale where a young woman named Marie makes a wish and shrinks to the size of her toys and goes on a Christmas Eve adventure. This version of the Christmas classic filled my eyes and heart with lavender haze. Such incredible lessons are communicated including loyalty, trust, and strength of family prevailing even in the darkest of times. Marie comes face to face with ordinary objects that have since become very dangerous including evil house rats and sharp sewing pins. The story follows Marie wanting to escape the harsh reality of her life, where her family risk losing their home to a debt collector unless Marie marries him. A Christmas Eve wish is granted when Marie shrinks to the size of her toys, including the traditional nut cracker who turns out to be a prince, cast under a spell. Her first priority is to help the prince turned nutcracker before reversing her wish and returning to her true form. The nutcracker and Marie embark on a dangerous, yet thrilling adventure through the land of flowers where Prince George’s kingdom has fallen to the rat rule. A bazaar band of friends made up of a determined ballerina, a brave prince, a scared ostrich, and a ram have to work together to break the spell.
website
review by Cassandra Joy
Cassandra Van Zeyl
The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute is a comedic spin on the traditional Nutcracker tale where a young woman named Marie makes a wish and shrinks to the size of her toys and goes on a Christmas Eve adventure. This version of the Christmas classic filled my eyes and heart with lavender haze. Such incredible lessons are communicated including loyalty, trust, and strength of family prevailing even in the darkest of times. Marie comes face to face with ordinary objects that have since become very dangerous including evil house rats and sharp sewing pins. The story follows Marie wanting to escape the harsh reality of her life, where her family risk losing their home to a debt collector unless Marie marries him. A Christmas Eve wish is granted when Marie shrinks to the size of her toys, including the traditional nut cracker who turns out to be a prince, cast under a spell. Her first priority is to help the prince turned nutcracker before reversing her wish and returning to her true form. The nutcracker and Marie embark on a dangerous, yet thrilling adventure through the land of flowers where Prince George’s kingdom has fallen to the rat rule. A bazaar band of friends made up of a determined ballerina, a brave prince, a scared ostrich, and a ram have to work together to break the spell.
Kompromat NEW
website
by Katherine Kelly
Direction:
Jérôme Salle
Screenplay
Caryl Ferey
Jérôme Salle
Production:
Albane de Jourdan
Jérôme Salle
Marc Simoncini
Music:
Guillaume Roussel
Cast:
Gilles Lellouche Mathieu
Joanna Kulig Svetlana
Michael Gorevoï Rostov
Aleksey Gorbunov Borodin
Louis-Do de Lencquesaing l’ambassadeur
Elisa Lasowski Alice
Danila Vorobyev Sacha
Judith Henry Michèle
Igor Jijikine Sagarine
Pierre Hancisse Julien
Mikhail Safronov Ivanovich
Sasha Piltsin Sergei
Ausra Giedraityte l'assistant d'Ivanovich
Based on Yoann Barbereau’s book - Escape from Siberia: My epic journey to freedom, Kompromat is a gripping story about a French national who, through no fault of his own, finds himself the victim of a Kompromat – where forces such as Russia’s FSB mounts false accusations designed to bribe a person who they see as an enemy of the State.
Mathieu (Gilles Lellouche) is the new Director of the Alliance Francaise in the Siberian city of Irkutsk. With hopes of starting a new life with his wife and young daughter and repairing his struggling marriage, he strives to bring some French culture to the seemingly conservative Russian outpost. However, he soon finds himself in conflict with the authorities when he is suddenly arrested and thrown into prison on no apparent charge. Mathieu soon realises that the authorities have mounted a false case against him for accessing child pornography and abusing his young daughter. He is isolated, beaten and without any resources to assist him. Moreover, the French embassy are rendered virtually incapable of providing much in the way of assistance.
What ensues is a visual account that kept me on the edge of my seat. With no time for rest or relaxation Mathieu must somehow stay ahead of the authorities in order to survive and escape to safety.
The excellent, breathtaking cinematography by Matias Boucard and Sacha Wiernik displays idyllic opening scenes over the top of snow covered trees camouflaging a death-defying chase in the vast woodlands below.
The cast produced excellent performances which added to tension and suspense under excellent direction of Jérôme Salle.
Due for release in local Cinemas on 1 December, I thoroughly recommended this suspense-filled, spell-binding movie.
Katherine Kelly
website
by Katherine Kelly
Direction:
Jérôme Salle
Screenplay
Caryl Ferey
Jérôme Salle
Production:
Albane de Jourdan
Jérôme Salle
Marc Simoncini
Music:
Guillaume Roussel
Cast:
Gilles Lellouche Mathieu
Joanna Kulig Svetlana
Michael Gorevoï Rostov
Aleksey Gorbunov Borodin
Louis-Do de Lencquesaing l’ambassadeur
Elisa Lasowski Alice
Danila Vorobyev Sacha
Judith Henry Michèle
Igor Jijikine Sagarine
Pierre Hancisse Julien
Mikhail Safronov Ivanovich
Sasha Piltsin Sergei
Ausra Giedraityte l'assistant d'Ivanovich
Based on Yoann Barbereau’s book - Escape from Siberia: My epic journey to freedom, Kompromat is a gripping story about a French national who, through no fault of his own, finds himself the victim of a Kompromat – where forces such as Russia’s FSB mounts false accusations designed to bribe a person who they see as an enemy of the State.
Mathieu (Gilles Lellouche) is the new Director of the Alliance Francaise in the Siberian city of Irkutsk. With hopes of starting a new life with his wife and young daughter and repairing his struggling marriage, he strives to bring some French culture to the seemingly conservative Russian outpost. However, he soon finds himself in conflict with the authorities when he is suddenly arrested and thrown into prison on no apparent charge. Mathieu soon realises that the authorities have mounted a false case against him for accessing child pornography and abusing his young daughter. He is isolated, beaten and without any resources to assist him. Moreover, the French embassy are rendered virtually incapable of providing much in the way of assistance.
What ensues is a visual account that kept me on the edge of my seat. With no time for rest or relaxation Mathieu must somehow stay ahead of the authorities in order to survive and escape to safety.
The excellent, breathtaking cinematography by Matias Boucard and Sacha Wiernik displays idyllic opening scenes over the top of snow covered trees camouflaging a death-defying chase in the vast woodlands below.
The cast produced excellent performances which added to tension and suspense under excellent direction of Jérôme Salle.
Due for release in local Cinemas on 1 December, I thoroughly recommended this suspense-filled, spell-binding movie.
Katherine Kelly
SHE SAID NEW
website
Not many want to talk about it, it usually gets swept under the carpet. There are many reasons for that: those who do it have power and status; and those who expreince that are embarrassed to expose it to the world.
The film is about the harsh, horrible and disgusting reality as it is. Those who hav to be in jail continue to enjoy life, while their victms suffocate silently.
The true and rather haunting and disturbing story in this compelling movie is about a high-profile scandal that erupted in 2019 around Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who was accused of harassing and raping dozens of women. It is about infamous Harvey Weinstein and decades of his coverups and young women abuse.
The cast is performing brilliantly, espcially Zoe Kazan. The screenplay by Rebekah Lenkiewicz is very well written and sharp. It is an important film as it has many facets to think about.
It also shows how real and true journalism should be: investigative, and not just covering lies on those who are responsible of terrible crimes telling someone else's his-story. True journalism assist and encourages the others not to keep silent but talk openly with no fear.
"She Said" is based on a book by The New York Times journalists, Megan Tway and Jody Kantor that rocked the world and started the #MeToo movement. This is a must watch film.
website
Not many want to talk about it, it usually gets swept under the carpet. There are many reasons for that: those who do it have power and status; and those who expreince that are embarrassed to expose it to the world.
The film is about the harsh, horrible and disgusting reality as it is. Those who hav to be in jail continue to enjoy life, while their victms suffocate silently.
The true and rather haunting and disturbing story in this compelling movie is about a high-profile scandal that erupted in 2019 around Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who was accused of harassing and raping dozens of women. It is about infamous Harvey Weinstein and decades of his coverups and young women abuse.
The cast is performing brilliantly, espcially Zoe Kazan. The screenplay by Rebekah Lenkiewicz is very well written and sharp. It is an important film as it has many facets to think about.
It also shows how real and true journalism should be: investigative, and not just covering lies on those who are responsible of terrible crimes telling someone else's his-story. True journalism assist and encourages the others not to keep silent but talk openly with no fear.
"She Said" is based on a book by The New York Times journalists, Megan Tway and Jody Kantor that rocked the world and started the #MeToo movement. This is a must watch film.
Little Eggs; An African Rescue NEW
website
review by Cassandra Joy
Review: Cassandra Van Zeyl
A quirky, humorous and fun filled family ride exploring the challenges of parenting. Toto is a devoted but paranoid rooster determined to keep his newly laid little eggs out of harm’s way. Uly and Max want to explore the farm and have some fun, but Toto’s overprotective parenting strategy leads to the little eggs sadness and ultimately his own guilt.
Toto’s Little Eggs are golden in colour and they have caught the attention of The Duchess, a Russian egg collecting villain. She tracks the golden eggs and ships them to Africa ready to become the main course at a secret dinner for the world's billionaires, who are willing to pay thousands of dollars for exotic dishes. Toto and his diverse bunch of loyal friends must find a way to travel to African and rescue their Little Eggs. Africa is a dangerous place and Toto remains determined to find his little eggs while avoiding vicious crocodiles, a trio of clueless hippos, a bunch of comedic monkeys and the king himself. Strap in for an EGG – cellent movie and get ready to hold on to your seat because just when you think the adventure is over, it’s not.
website
review by Cassandra Joy
Review: Cassandra Van Zeyl
A quirky, humorous and fun filled family ride exploring the challenges of parenting. Toto is a devoted but paranoid rooster determined to keep his newly laid little eggs out of harm’s way. Uly and Max want to explore the farm and have some fun, but Toto’s overprotective parenting strategy leads to the little eggs sadness and ultimately his own guilt.
Toto’s Little Eggs are golden in colour and they have caught the attention of The Duchess, a Russian egg collecting villain. She tracks the golden eggs and ships them to Africa ready to become the main course at a secret dinner for the world's billionaires, who are willing to pay thousands of dollars for exotic dishes. Toto and his diverse bunch of loyal friends must find a way to travel to African and rescue their Little Eggs. Africa is a dangerous place and Toto remains determined to find his little eggs while avoiding vicious crocodiles, a trio of clueless hippos, a bunch of comedic monkeys and the king himself. Strap in for an EGG – cellent movie and get ready to hold on to your seat because just when you think the adventure is over, it’s not.
MILLIE LIES LOW NEW
website
review by David Black
In one brief moment, your whole life can change. What you do after that is up to you. In the case of Millie, it becomes a question of how big a hole can you dig yourself.
Ana Scotney plays the character of Millie, a promising architecture student with a big, bright future ahead. As a poor girl from Wellington, NZ, she has scored herself a dream job as an intern at a prestigious architecture firm in New York. The Wellington School of Architecture is so proud of her that they’ve put advertisements everywhere, which raises her profile. The pressure is on!
Unfortunately, Millie has an anxiety attack before her plane takes off and is unable to afford another ticket to get back on track. You can’t run away from your problems, but sometimes you just have to try to buy some time.
Millie just can’t face the world to own up to her anxiety, so she tries to fool everyone by using social media to pretend that she is in New York and having the time of her life.
Director and co-writer, Michelle Savill, has been very creative in her depictions on various methods of faking it on social media. These funny scenes keep the film interesting. Trying to live up to other people’s high expectations while suffering anxiety can be a real struggle, so it is great that this film was made to give a much needed insight.
“Millie Lies Low” is a dark comedy drama but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy the journey!
website
review by David Black
In one brief moment, your whole life can change. What you do after that is up to you. In the case of Millie, it becomes a question of how big a hole can you dig yourself.
Ana Scotney plays the character of Millie, a promising architecture student with a big, bright future ahead. As a poor girl from Wellington, NZ, she has scored herself a dream job as an intern at a prestigious architecture firm in New York. The Wellington School of Architecture is so proud of her that they’ve put advertisements everywhere, which raises her profile. The pressure is on!
Unfortunately, Millie has an anxiety attack before her plane takes off and is unable to afford another ticket to get back on track. You can’t run away from your problems, but sometimes you just have to try to buy some time.
Millie just can’t face the world to own up to her anxiety, so she tries to fool everyone by using social media to pretend that she is in New York and having the time of her life.
Director and co-writer, Michelle Savill, has been very creative in her depictions on various methods of faking it on social media. These funny scenes keep the film interesting. Trying to live up to other people’s high expectations while suffering anxiety can be a real struggle, so it is great that this film was made to give a much needed insight.
“Millie Lies Low” is a dark comedy drama but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Enjoy the journey!
Margrete Queen of the North NEW
website
by Katherine Kelly
Director Charlotte Sieling
Cast:
Trine Dyrholm Queen Margrete
Søren Malling Peder Jensen Lodehat
Jakob Oftebro Man from Graudenz
Morten Hee Andersen Erik of Pomerania
Thomas Waern Gabrielsson Jens Due [da]
Magnus Krepper Johan Sparre
Bjørn Floberg Asle Jonsson
Paul Blackthorne William Bourcier
Agnes Westerlund Rase Astrid
Simon J. Berger Jakob Nilsson
Linus James Nilsson Roar
Richard Sammel Raberlin
Annika Hallin Malin
Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir Hildur
Diana Martinová Philippa of England
Duration: 120 minutes
Directed by Charlotte Sieling known for hit TV series such as The Bridge, Borgen and The Killing, Margrete Queen of the North is an epic work about a 14th
The story opened in 1361 when Margrete was a very young child. Her father, King Valdemar IV Atterdag, was carrying her through an horrific post-battle scene at the Battle of Visby where her father had been victorious in what was a very bloody war.
We next see Margrete (Trine Dyrholm) in around 1401 when she was ruling through Erik (Morten Hee Andersen) her adopted son as, at that time, women were forbidden to rule in their own right. Oluf her son had died under mysterious circumstances many years before. To prevent any further defeats such as that in Visby, Margrete forged a peaceful union between Denmark, Norway and Sweden known as the Kalmar Union which was to last centuries. A formidable woman, Margrete was able to broker the deal despite numerous enemies and the interventions of the men around her. To further strengthen international relations at that time, Erik was set marry the child Princess, Phillippa of England and the palace and courtiers were preparing this important reception. However, this event was overshadowed by rumours and the subsequent the arrival of man named Oluf (Jakob Oftebro) stating that he was Margrete’s son and had been held in Graunetz for several years.
Who was Oluf? Was he actually Margrete’s son? How would this effect Erik’s forthcoming marriage and relations with England, the Kalmar Union and ultimately power and peace in this area?
This certainly created a frenzy within the Danish court and the members of the Norwegian Swedish members of the Union. The situation was precarious. Members within and outside the Union were threatening its fragility in their own quests for power.
Under Sielig’s excellent direction with breathtaking cinematography, set designs and dramatic soundtrack, the impasse was brought to a spectacular denouement.
The performance by award winning actor, Trine Dyrholm (Forhøret - Face to face), was inspiring, strong yet compassionate. Her co-star Søren Malling (Borgen and The Killing) was excellent as her confessor and wily worldly advisor.
Recently shown in the Carlsberg Scandinavian Film Festival and now due for release in coming weeks, Margrete Queen of the North is not to be missed.
Katherine Kelly
website
by Katherine Kelly
Director Charlotte Sieling
Cast:
Trine Dyrholm Queen Margrete
Søren Malling Peder Jensen Lodehat
Jakob Oftebro Man from Graudenz
Morten Hee Andersen Erik of Pomerania
Thomas Waern Gabrielsson Jens Due [da]
Magnus Krepper Johan Sparre
Bjørn Floberg Asle Jonsson
Paul Blackthorne William Bourcier
Agnes Westerlund Rase Astrid
Simon J. Berger Jakob Nilsson
Linus James Nilsson Roar
Richard Sammel Raberlin
Annika Hallin Malin
Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir Hildur
Diana Martinová Philippa of England
Duration: 120 minutes
Directed by Charlotte Sieling known for hit TV series such as The Bridge, Borgen and The Killing, Margrete Queen of the North is an epic work about a 14th
The story opened in 1361 when Margrete was a very young child. Her father, King Valdemar IV Atterdag, was carrying her through an horrific post-battle scene at the Battle of Visby where her father had been victorious in what was a very bloody war.
We next see Margrete (Trine Dyrholm) in around 1401 when she was ruling through Erik (Morten Hee Andersen) her adopted son as, at that time, women were forbidden to rule in their own right. Oluf her son had died under mysterious circumstances many years before. To prevent any further defeats such as that in Visby, Margrete forged a peaceful union between Denmark, Norway and Sweden known as the Kalmar Union which was to last centuries. A formidable woman, Margrete was able to broker the deal despite numerous enemies and the interventions of the men around her. To further strengthen international relations at that time, Erik was set marry the child Princess, Phillippa of England and the palace and courtiers were preparing this important reception. However, this event was overshadowed by rumours and the subsequent the arrival of man named Oluf (Jakob Oftebro) stating that he was Margrete’s son and had been held in Graunetz for several years.
Who was Oluf? Was he actually Margrete’s son? How would this effect Erik’s forthcoming marriage and relations with England, the Kalmar Union and ultimately power and peace in this area?
This certainly created a frenzy within the Danish court and the members of the Norwegian Swedish members of the Union. The situation was precarious. Members within and outside the Union were threatening its fragility in their own quests for power.
Under Sielig’s excellent direction with breathtaking cinematography, set designs and dramatic soundtrack, the impasse was brought to a spectacular denouement.
The performance by award winning actor, Trine Dyrholm (Forhøret - Face to face), was inspiring, strong yet compassionate. Her co-star Søren Malling (Borgen and The Killing) was excellent as her confessor and wily worldly advisor.
Recently shown in the Carlsberg Scandinavian Film Festival and now due for release in coming weeks, Margrete Queen of the North is not to be missed.
Katherine Kelly
The Velvet Queen NEW
website
The Velvet Queen
I generally love films about animals. This picture is amazing in its expression of the natural world!. It is sad at the same time as the questions about rare animals habitats are always very controevrsial. It is heartbreaking to watch at some moments the vanishing beauty. The camera is breathtaking as well as the emotional and passionate work of the wildlife photographer, Vincent accompanied by the touching soundtrack.
Vincent Munier might change your mind looking at the wild animals or he might not, but you will be moved for sure.
The film takes place at the minus 30 degeers snow covered regions of Tibet and targets the rare snow leapard. It is inspiring for many reasons. You will get encouted with the other wild animals: live, running for life, hunting, dead and killed; with mesmerizing scenries: work of art landscapes, poetic rocks, floodplains, elevations, mountain peaks and skies full of colours. It is a documentary about appreciation of the earth and life in general.
Watch it at the cinemas big screen!
website
The Velvet Queen
I generally love films about animals. This picture is amazing in its expression of the natural world!. It is sad at the same time as the questions about rare animals habitats are always very controevrsial. It is heartbreaking to watch at some moments the vanishing beauty. The camera is breathtaking as well as the emotional and passionate work of the wildlife photographer, Vincent accompanied by the touching soundtrack.
Vincent Munier might change your mind looking at the wild animals or he might not, but you will be moved for sure.
The film takes place at the minus 30 degeers snow covered regions of Tibet and targets the rare snow leapard. It is inspiring for many reasons. You will get encouted with the other wild animals: live, running for life, hunting, dead and killed; with mesmerizing scenries: work of art landscapes, poetic rocks, floodplains, elevations, mountain peaks and skies full of colours. It is a documentary about appreciation of the earth and life in general.
Watch it at the cinemas big screen!
Armageddon Time
website
review by Cassandra Joy
The semi-autobiographical “Armageddon Time” takes place in 1980 in the New York City borough of Queens, and follows 11-year-old Paul Graff (Banks Repeta) as he attempts to navigate friendship, moral responsibility and his close-knit Jewish family. A coming of age story about the generational pursuit of the American Dream.
Paul’s emotional story is situated within a larger context of injustices, especially anti-Black racism and antisemitism. Armageddon Time is a critical moral drama that is in thoughtful dialogue with multifaceted matters of class and race.
Although I believe “Armageddon Time” is ultimately about being responsible for one’s moral choices. Paul Graff is growing up in a warm, opinionated and boisterous family that includes his grandfather, who encourages his artistic aspirations. Paul dreams of becoming a famous and well renowned artist. Paul is an artist at heart who can’t stop drawing. Old-school teacher Mr. Turkletaub (Andrew Polk) doesn't acknowledge his creative talents and chastises him along with another student Johnny Davis (Jaylin Webb), who is fixated on a space program with NASA. This begins an inter-racial friendship between the Jewish American Paul and the African American Johnny. Both boys have dreams and their friendship flourishes initially followed by a roller coaster of significant moments that change both of their future outcomes. The two are inseparable and prone to mischief, but after an incident in which John and Paul smoke marijuana in the school toilet cubicle, Paul’s parents decide to transfer him to the private prep school. The aftermaths of this change lead to both boys concocting a risky scheme to escape their lives and run away to Florida where they can make their dreams come true.
Whilst Paul navigates choices, he is well supported from his grandpa, Aaron (Anthony Hopkins), an intelligent, funny man of immense charisma and dignity. A powerful story of pursing ones dreams despite the odds. Perfect cast to depict such a monumental time in history.
website
review by Cassandra Joy
The semi-autobiographical “Armageddon Time” takes place in 1980 in the New York City borough of Queens, and follows 11-year-old Paul Graff (Banks Repeta) as he attempts to navigate friendship, moral responsibility and his close-knit Jewish family. A coming of age story about the generational pursuit of the American Dream.
Paul’s emotional story is situated within a larger context of injustices, especially anti-Black racism and antisemitism. Armageddon Time is a critical moral drama that is in thoughtful dialogue with multifaceted matters of class and race.
Although I believe “Armageddon Time” is ultimately about being responsible for one’s moral choices. Paul Graff is growing up in a warm, opinionated and boisterous family that includes his grandfather, who encourages his artistic aspirations. Paul dreams of becoming a famous and well renowned artist. Paul is an artist at heart who can’t stop drawing. Old-school teacher Mr. Turkletaub (Andrew Polk) doesn't acknowledge his creative talents and chastises him along with another student Johnny Davis (Jaylin Webb), who is fixated on a space program with NASA. This begins an inter-racial friendship between the Jewish American Paul and the African American Johnny. Both boys have dreams and their friendship flourishes initially followed by a roller coaster of significant moments that change both of their future outcomes. The two are inseparable and prone to mischief, but after an incident in which John and Paul smoke marijuana in the school toilet cubicle, Paul’s parents decide to transfer him to the private prep school. The aftermaths of this change lead to both boys concocting a risky scheme to escape their lives and run away to Florida where they can make their dreams come true.
Whilst Paul navigates choices, he is well supported from his grandpa, Aaron (Anthony Hopkins), an intelligent, funny man of immense charisma and dignity. A powerful story of pursing ones dreams despite the odds. Perfect cast to depict such a monumental time in history.
On The Line
website
review by David Black
On The Line
It's great to see Mel Gibson on the big screen again, and boy, he has lost nothing. “On The Line” takes no time to get right into it.
Mel plays Elvis, an aging, disgruntled radio shock jock on the graveyard shift. He has problems with the radio management who believe that he is pushing too far and ignoring social media, as well as the radio host before him, who is paranoid that Elvis is after his show. He also has problems with crazed fans that occasionally manage to get into the studio.
You would think that this in itself is enough to push a man over the edge, but you aint seen nothing yet!
Elvis is a shock jock that thrives on other people's dramas, but tonight, he is going to find himself at the centre of it all. On this shift, he and his family will become the centre of action and we will be taken on a white knuckle roller coaster ride that you will never forget!
This is a tale of revenge as a psychotic murderer plays a game of cat and mouse with Elvis, his co-workers and his loved ones. As a witness, all you need do is survive it. This film is definitely not recommended or those with heart problems.
And for those that think that they have seen this all before .... maybe not! This is one twisted film.
website
review by David Black
On The Line
It's great to see Mel Gibson on the big screen again, and boy, he has lost nothing. “On The Line” takes no time to get right into it.
Mel plays Elvis, an aging, disgruntled radio shock jock on the graveyard shift. He has problems with the radio management who believe that he is pushing too far and ignoring social media, as well as the radio host before him, who is paranoid that Elvis is after his show. He also has problems with crazed fans that occasionally manage to get into the studio.
You would think that this in itself is enough to push a man over the edge, but you aint seen nothing yet!
Elvis is a shock jock that thrives on other people's dramas, but tonight, he is going to find himself at the centre of it all. On this shift, he and his family will become the centre of action and we will be taken on a white knuckle roller coaster ride that you will never forget!
This is a tale of revenge as a psychotic murderer plays a game of cat and mouse with Elvis, his co-workers and his loved ones. As a witness, all you need do is survive it. This film is definitely not recommended or those with heart problems.
And for those that think that they have seen this all before .... maybe not! This is one twisted film.
MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS
website
by Katherine Kelly
Mrs Harris goes to Paris
Director/Producers
Anthony Fabian,
Xavier Marchand,
Guillaume Benski
Cast
Lesley Manville Ada Harris
Isabelle Huppert Claudine Colbert
Lambert Wilson Marquis de Chassagne
Alba Baptista Natasha
Lucas Bravo André Fauvel
Ellen Thomas Vi Butterfield
Rose Williams Pamela Penrose
Jason Isaacs Archie
Anna Chancellor Lady Dant
Christian McKay Giles Newcombe
Freddie Fox RAF officer
Guilaine Londez Madame Avallon
Philippe Bertin Christian Dior
Roxane Duran Marguerite
I recently attended the opening of “Mrs Harris goes to Paris”. Prior to the movie, producer Xavier Marchand praised his team in the making of this work, especially the three-time Academy award winning costume designer Jenny Beavan, who also worked on the last Mad Max movie. The costumes in “Mrs Harris …” were exquisite.
Based on Paul Gallico’s novel of the same name and set in 1957 London, Ada Harris is a cleaning lady with three clients: Lady Dant (Anna Chancellor) who fails to pay Ada; Miss Penrose, a wannabee, self-obsessed star/actress; and Mr Newcombe who passes his various lovers off for his nieces. Always receiving the short end of the stick from her employers, Ada never appears to lose her optimism and dreams, even hoping for her husband to return from WWII. Whilst at Lady Dant’s Ada spies an exquisite 500 pound Dior gown, which creates another dream for her -to save up the money to go to Dior in Paris to pick up a beautiful gown. How was she going to do that on her wages? On learning that her husband was killed in 1944, Ada becomes a war widow with a substantial pension dating back a number of years. Her second dream can now come true. However, this dream manifests itself in vastly different ways. Dior’s manager, Claudine Colbert (Isabelle Huppert), attempts to evict Ava even though she has the money. On Marquis de Chassagne’s invitation, she views a showing of the collection and selects a gown. However, things are not going well in the Haute Couture world at Dior with seamstresses under threat of losing their jobs. Ada helps to avert the crisis by instigating strike action then making many changes for Dior to flourish in the future. And most importantly staff keep their jobs. As a bonus, Claudine’s originally frosty attitude to Ada slowly begins to thaw!
“Mrs Harris …” is an amusing, heart-warming film, depicting the class differences in 1950s London and Paris. I was highly amused by Ada asking“, Who’s that bloke?” When told that the said bloke was Dior himself Ada says “He looks like my milkman”. She was not ashamed of her standing in life and more than willing to stand up for herself.
A nostalgic movie, I gained some respite from the realities of the present for two hours Lesley Manville’s performance was engaging and charming. I hope to see her in many more movies.
The costumes, cinematography and music excelled in recreating London and Paris in the mid-twentieth century. The shots of both cities at night were exquisite.
Katherine Kelly
website
by Katherine Kelly
Mrs Harris goes to Paris
Director/Producers
Anthony Fabian,
Xavier Marchand,
Guillaume Benski
Cast
Lesley Manville Ada Harris
Isabelle Huppert Claudine Colbert
Lambert Wilson Marquis de Chassagne
Alba Baptista Natasha
Lucas Bravo André Fauvel
Ellen Thomas Vi Butterfield
Rose Williams Pamela Penrose
Jason Isaacs Archie
Anna Chancellor Lady Dant
Christian McKay Giles Newcombe
Freddie Fox RAF officer
Guilaine Londez Madame Avallon
Philippe Bertin Christian Dior
Roxane Duran Marguerite
I recently attended the opening of “Mrs Harris goes to Paris”. Prior to the movie, producer Xavier Marchand praised his team in the making of this work, especially the three-time Academy award winning costume designer Jenny Beavan, who also worked on the last Mad Max movie. The costumes in “Mrs Harris …” were exquisite.
Based on Paul Gallico’s novel of the same name and set in 1957 London, Ada Harris is a cleaning lady with three clients: Lady Dant (Anna Chancellor) who fails to pay Ada; Miss Penrose, a wannabee, self-obsessed star/actress; and Mr Newcombe who passes his various lovers off for his nieces. Always receiving the short end of the stick from her employers, Ada never appears to lose her optimism and dreams, even hoping for her husband to return from WWII. Whilst at Lady Dant’s Ada spies an exquisite 500 pound Dior gown, which creates another dream for her -to save up the money to go to Dior in Paris to pick up a beautiful gown. How was she going to do that on her wages? On learning that her husband was killed in 1944, Ada becomes a war widow with a substantial pension dating back a number of years. Her second dream can now come true. However, this dream manifests itself in vastly different ways. Dior’s manager, Claudine Colbert (Isabelle Huppert), attempts to evict Ava even though she has the money. On Marquis de Chassagne’s invitation, she views a showing of the collection and selects a gown. However, things are not going well in the Haute Couture world at Dior with seamstresses under threat of losing their jobs. Ada helps to avert the crisis by instigating strike action then making many changes for Dior to flourish in the future. And most importantly staff keep their jobs. As a bonus, Claudine’s originally frosty attitude to Ada slowly begins to thaw!
“Mrs Harris …” is an amusing, heart-warming film, depicting the class differences in 1950s London and Paris. I was highly amused by Ada asking“, Who’s that bloke?” When told that the said bloke was Dior himself Ada says “He looks like my milkman”. She was not ashamed of her standing in life and more than willing to stand up for herself.
A nostalgic movie, I gained some respite from the realities of the present for two hours Lesley Manville’s performance was engaging and charming. I hope to see her in many more movies.
The costumes, cinematography and music excelled in recreating London and Paris in the mid-twentieth century. The shots of both cities at night were exquisite.
Katherine Kelly
GLORIAVALE
website
There are members of the Gloriavale Christian community who live in the west of New Zealand, - fundamentalist Protestants who try to live according to the Bible, not deviating a single step from its prescriptions.
They take the words of the New Testament very literally, and one of the main guidelines for action was a fragment from the Acts of the Apostles: All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold their estates and all property, and divided it among everyone, according to the need of each member.
See how it is possible to live according to the rules of the first Christians in the modern world. The Gloriavale community is very closed: it is almost impossible to get into it from the outside, and those who decide to leave it are condemned and do not dare to return to their families. Its members are mainly engaged in agriculture, and women are also engaged in needlework: this provides a livelihood.
For the first time, the film crew managed to infiltrate this community, which does not seek contact with the big world.
website
There are members of the Gloriavale Christian community who live in the west of New Zealand, - fundamentalist Protestants who try to live according to the Bible, not deviating a single step from its prescriptions.
They take the words of the New Testament very literally, and one of the main guidelines for action was a fragment from the Acts of the Apostles: All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold their estates and all property, and divided it among everyone, according to the need of each member.
See how it is possible to live according to the rules of the first Christians in the modern world. The Gloriavale community is very closed: it is almost impossible to get into it from the outside, and those who decide to leave it are condemned and do not dare to return to their families. Its members are mainly engaged in agriculture, and women are also engaged in needlework: this provides a livelihood.
For the first time, the film crew managed to infiltrate this community, which does not seek contact with the big world.
SISSY
website
Four friends decided to invite the fifth to their place to ...
The Tik-Tok blogger in her videos reverently teaches people to respect themselves, telling on-duty motivational sayings that we are all good and we are all worthy of love.
Behind the imaginary Internet popularity and expertise lies an unpleasant story about school bullying and betrayal, which the main character went through. The bullying injury appears like a dirty stain on her clothes, periodically reminding of itself. It is almost impossible to wash this off, and the experienced psychological abuse from a voyeur turns into an exhibitionist when the cinematic Katya Klep meets her childhood friends.
Not only the object of humiliation suffers from bullying, but also the subjects of ridicule, especially when the hunted person decides to go on the path of resentment. In this regard, it is no longer clear who to sympathize with. It remains only to turn into famous children cartoons about love and friendship and helplessly call for prudence.
The Australian low-budget movie is a little naive, but with confident kangaroo jumps, it leads the injured, physically and psychologically, characters to the next impulsive and terrible acts of children who have not matured. The cozy little world of the Internet and a cluttered apartment only masks the problem, and the scar from the old mental trauma still hurts and throbs, poisoning your whole life.
Cinema, despite its super-social message, is primarily an ironic horror with cheap special effects and gags, where you either have to laugh or be afraid. But without zaum, as in "We," "Away" or "No." All in plain sight, however, without hanging labels. The creators of the picture are much more sincere than their fashionable American counterparts in their desire to share their pain. At least, all the characters are devoid of pretentious Hollywood gloss and historical background.
Most importantly, do not go where your ghosts of the past roam. Otherwise it will be a Sissy movie.
website
Four friends decided to invite the fifth to their place to ...
The Tik-Tok blogger in her videos reverently teaches people to respect themselves, telling on-duty motivational sayings that we are all good and we are all worthy of love.
Behind the imaginary Internet popularity and expertise lies an unpleasant story about school bullying and betrayal, which the main character went through. The bullying injury appears like a dirty stain on her clothes, periodically reminding of itself. It is almost impossible to wash this off, and the experienced psychological abuse from a voyeur turns into an exhibitionist when the cinematic Katya Klep meets her childhood friends.
Not only the object of humiliation suffers from bullying, but also the subjects of ridicule, especially when the hunted person decides to go on the path of resentment. In this regard, it is no longer clear who to sympathize with. It remains only to turn into famous children cartoons about love and friendship and helplessly call for prudence.
The Australian low-budget movie is a little naive, but with confident kangaroo jumps, it leads the injured, physically and psychologically, characters to the next impulsive and terrible acts of children who have not matured. The cozy little world of the Internet and a cluttered apartment only masks the problem, and the scar from the old mental trauma still hurts and throbs, poisoning your whole life.
Cinema, despite its super-social message, is primarily an ironic horror with cheap special effects and gags, where you either have to laugh or be afraid. But without zaum, as in "We," "Away" or "No." All in plain sight, however, without hanging labels. The creators of the picture are much more sincere than their fashionable American counterparts in their desire to share their pain. At least, all the characters are devoid of pretentious Hollywood gloss and historical background.
Most importantly, do not go where your ghosts of the past roam. Otherwise it will be a Sissy movie.
THE SEAFGULL
website
review by Cassandra Joy
Review - The seagull
By Cassandra Van Zeyl
I walked out quite stunned by the pure emotion this five star production brought to the table. With the staging and the choreography at a minimal, the weight of the dialogue intensified and further took the brunt of the audience’s attention. Although the production is interminable within parts, it has been carefully diagnosed and purposely engineered that way. It focusses on the theme of unrequited love with all those gathered in a Russian country house by a lake in love with the wrong people. There is a deepened sadness that is linked to unrequited love and the brutality of this theme could be difficult to process for some. The vast majority love a happy ending but I think this a painfully true reflection of connections that can be made under the wrong circumstances, born out of necessity. The exploration of different love stores was captivating, honest and emotional. The play follows four main characters, Nina (Emilia Clarke) who dreams of fame and is naively starstruck by Trigorin (Tom Rhys Harries) who is a famous but uncertain writer who doesn’t value or appreciate his work. Trigorin is obsessed by Nina but is dating Arkadina (Indira Varma), a diminishing actress who is the mother of Konstantin (Daniel Monks). A wishful playwright, Konstantin seeks the attention of his mother and the love of Nina. This is a tangled love affair. The first act takes place in a huge wooden box which the actors climb in and out of. Interestingly their only props are plastic green chairs. The simple act of turning a chair; created an atmosphere where different realities could take place and focuses could be shifted to dialogue alone. Actors stand almost lifeless at times to redirect the energy, movement and mood of the scene. An immobilised cast at times swept the stage with heavy emotion which is a craft in itself. Simple movement or no movement at all creates a hollow, almost lifeless display of human realisation. It’s an honest reflection of how we as humans feel when we are isolated with dreams shattered, hopes ruined, and hearts broken. a
website
review by Cassandra Joy
Review - The seagull
By Cassandra Van Zeyl
I walked out quite stunned by the pure emotion this five star production brought to the table. With the staging and the choreography at a minimal, the weight of the dialogue intensified and further took the brunt of the audience’s attention. Although the production is interminable within parts, it has been carefully diagnosed and purposely engineered that way. It focusses on the theme of unrequited love with all those gathered in a Russian country house by a lake in love with the wrong people. There is a deepened sadness that is linked to unrequited love and the brutality of this theme could be difficult to process for some. The vast majority love a happy ending but I think this a painfully true reflection of connections that can be made under the wrong circumstances, born out of necessity. The exploration of different love stores was captivating, honest and emotional. The play follows four main characters, Nina (Emilia Clarke) who dreams of fame and is naively starstruck by Trigorin (Tom Rhys Harries) who is a famous but uncertain writer who doesn’t value or appreciate his work. Trigorin is obsessed by Nina but is dating Arkadina (Indira Varma), a diminishing actress who is the mother of Konstantin (Daniel Monks). A wishful playwright, Konstantin seeks the attention of his mother and the love of Nina. This is a tangled love affair. The first act takes place in a huge wooden box which the actors climb in and out of. Interestingly their only props are plastic green chairs. The simple act of turning a chair; created an atmosphere where different realities could take place and focuses could be shifted to dialogue alone. Actors stand almost lifeless at times to redirect the energy, movement and mood of the scene. An immobilised cast at times swept the stage with heavy emotion which is a craft in itself. Simple movement or no movement at all creates a hollow, almost lifeless display of human realisation. It’s an honest reflection of how we as humans feel when we are isolated with dreams shattered, hopes ruined, and hearts broken. a
Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia
website
review by Nicole Stenton
Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia Review
Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia as a fun movie to watch It starts in the real world where we learn Mia is living with her grandfather after her parents had passed away. Not long into the movie, we are introduced to a book of Mia’s, ‘The Legend of Centopia’ when Mia opens this she is pulled into a world of animation and fantasy. Most of the movie is animated and we see Mia start her quest to save Centopia. Along the way, Mia and her friends face challenges in their quest to save Centopia. These challenges go on to help the real Mia when the movie shifts back to her life with her grandfather.
Overall, I found the movie enjoyable as did my daughter. She really liked the movie animated with live-action scenes. I’d recommend this movie for a younger audience.
website
review by Nicole Stenton
Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia Review
Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia as a fun movie to watch It starts in the real world where we learn Mia is living with her grandfather after her parents had passed away. Not long into the movie, we are introduced to a book of Mia’s, ‘The Legend of Centopia’ when Mia opens this she is pulled into a world of animation and fantasy. Most of the movie is animated and we see Mia start her quest to save Centopia. Along the way, Mia and her friends face challenges in their quest to save Centopia. These challenges go on to help the real Mia when the movie shifts back to her life with her grandfather.
Overall, I found the movie enjoyable as did my daughter. She really liked the movie animated with live-action scenes. I’d recommend this movie for a younger audience.
EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
website
review by Jeanette Russell
Everything In Between is an interesting and entertaining tale of two polar opposites who are attracted to each other. Liz is a bright fun loving spiritual lady, who loves life, travels the globe and is animated and friendly. Jay is a younger man shy, quiet, reserved and not into living at the moment . He's suffering from severe depression, and really wants to end his life.
The beginning of the story involves him trying to jump off a cliff and a cab driver stopping him , Jay is taken to the emergency dept at the local hospital, where they are looking to admit him to a psych. ward. He meets Liz who has a mystery illness but it's really affecting her, physically.
This unlikely pair form a close friendship as Liz has no one else. She is very new to the country. The movie takes place in Sydney, It's lovely to watch a home grown drama. As the plot unfolds, as an audience, we learn more about Jay, and his parents. Dad's often absent and is having affairs. Mum appears to drink all too heavily to get through the day. The family are well to do where as Liz, by all appearances doesn't have much at all. Invited to stay with Jay and his family, while she's recuperating and hopefully on the mend, Liz helps to brighten Jay's life. Jay doesn't appear to have any friends, or for that matter anyone to talk to, but he starts to feel more confident, through his interactions, with Liz. He develops serious feelings for her
Jay is played by Jordan Dulieu, Liz - Freyja Benjamin, Jay's mum Meredith is played by Gigi Edgley and Dad, David - Martin Crewes. The cast , I believe, does a great job. The movie is produced and written by Nadi Sha and Grant Osborn. Nadi directed the fim.
I found the movie to be touching, delicate in parts and engaging. It has just started in cinemas and I recommend viewing this well made Aussie story. Thank you for the opportunity to watch and review it .
website
review by Jeanette Russell
Everything In Between is an interesting and entertaining tale of two polar opposites who are attracted to each other. Liz is a bright fun loving spiritual lady, who loves life, travels the globe and is animated and friendly. Jay is a younger man shy, quiet, reserved and not into living at the moment . He's suffering from severe depression, and really wants to end his life.
The beginning of the story involves him trying to jump off a cliff and a cab driver stopping him , Jay is taken to the emergency dept at the local hospital, where they are looking to admit him to a psych. ward. He meets Liz who has a mystery illness but it's really affecting her, physically.
This unlikely pair form a close friendship as Liz has no one else. She is very new to the country. The movie takes place in Sydney, It's lovely to watch a home grown drama. As the plot unfolds, as an audience, we learn more about Jay, and his parents. Dad's often absent and is having affairs. Mum appears to drink all too heavily to get through the day. The family are well to do where as Liz, by all appearances doesn't have much at all. Invited to stay with Jay and his family, while she's recuperating and hopefully on the mend, Liz helps to brighten Jay's life. Jay doesn't appear to have any friends, or for that matter anyone to talk to, but he starts to feel more confident, through his interactions, with Liz. He develops serious feelings for her
Jay is played by Jordan Dulieu, Liz - Freyja Benjamin, Jay's mum Meredith is played by Gigi Edgley and Dad, David - Martin Crewes. The cast , I believe, does a great job. The movie is produced and written by Nadi Sha and Grant Osborn. Nadi directed the fim.
I found the movie to be touching, delicate in parts and engaging. It has just started in cinemas and I recommend viewing this well made Aussie story. Thank you for the opportunity to watch and review it .
BROS
website
review by Cassandra Joy
Review – Bros
Cassandra Van Zeyl
A dazzling display of authenticity in this first theatrically released studio gay rom-com. Watching a mainstream Hollywood film of this magnitude with this kind of representation from throughout the LGBTQ + community was truly ground breaking and a monumental shift in film industry. Emotions run high in this truly wonderful depiction of a gay romance, where the rom com explores the challenges, opinions, judgements and everyday stereotypes gays are faced with in the modern world. Bros follows the relationship between Bobby Lieber (Billy Eichner) and Aaron (Luke Macfarlane). Bobby is a successful writer podcaster-turned-curator of the National Museum of LGBTQ+ History and Culture. Aaron is an estate attorney suffocating in his career and looking for a way to express his true self. The mood shifts, love brews quickly as monogamy becomes the desire of both parties. Both characters share various romantic reservations but take a leap of faith as their connection intensifies and love becomes obtainable. Bros highlights the universal truth for its viewers: Love is love. A memorable quote from the movie is “We fight like crazy, and we always have, but you’re my people.” This quote showcases the importance of the queer community being loud and proud. Every human being has the right to express themselves authentically and this movie projects this message fiercely. This film made the hairs on my neck stand up with anticipation. An abundance of laughter will follow you home after immersing yourself in this colourful showcase of love and inclusivity. I fell in love at first laugh. You’re not going to want to miss this wonderful collaboration of actors.
website
review by Cassandra Joy
Review – Bros
Cassandra Van Zeyl
A dazzling display of authenticity in this first theatrically released studio gay rom-com. Watching a mainstream Hollywood film of this magnitude with this kind of representation from throughout the LGBTQ + community was truly ground breaking and a monumental shift in film industry. Emotions run high in this truly wonderful depiction of a gay romance, where the rom com explores the challenges, opinions, judgements and everyday stereotypes gays are faced with in the modern world. Bros follows the relationship between Bobby Lieber (Billy Eichner) and Aaron (Luke Macfarlane). Bobby is a successful writer podcaster-turned-curator of the National Museum of LGBTQ+ History and Culture. Aaron is an estate attorney suffocating in his career and looking for a way to express his true self. The mood shifts, love brews quickly as monogamy becomes the desire of both parties. Both characters share various romantic reservations but take a leap of faith as their connection intensifies and love becomes obtainable. Bros highlights the universal truth for its viewers: Love is love. A memorable quote from the movie is “We fight like crazy, and we always have, but you’re my people.” This quote showcases the importance of the queer community being loud and proud. Every human being has the right to express themselves authentically and this movie projects this message fiercely. This film made the hairs on my neck stand up with anticipation. An abundance of laughter will follow you home after immersing yourself in this colourful showcase of love and inclusivity. I fell in love at first laugh. You’re not going to want to miss this wonderful collaboration of actors.
DECISION TO LEAVE
website
Еhe thrillerб Decision to Leave will be released in cinemas soon. It is a new work by Pak Chan-wook, one of the main directors of South Korea.
This movie works great both as a detective story and as a romantic story. Like Pak's previous films, The Decision to Leave is smart and breathtakingly beautiful.
It is one of the best in 2022 IMHO.
Who will like it? Everyone, but especially Park's fans.
A body of an experienced rock climber is found at the foot of a cliff near Busan. His things were left on top of th cliff - probably, we are talking about a premeditated murder.
A tired, honest criminalist named Haezhong takes over the investigation. Due to insomnia, he works day and night.
The wife of the deceased immediately becomes the main suspect. She is a Chinese womanm Son Sore. Her husband was a scoundrel and beat his wife, so she has a motive.
In addition, they discover the evidence that indirectly points to Sore: her epithelium remained under the nails of the corpse.
And in the very first conversation with the investigation, the girl declares to the police: “Finally, climbing the rocks finished him off.” - Either she chooses the words unsuccessfully because of her poor knowledge of Korean, or she really rejoices in the murder.
Haejun begins to follow the suspect. It turns out that Sore works as a nurse, helping grandmothers. For dinner, she eats ice cream, she likes to smoke but even after careful surveillance, the detective does not understand whether the girl committed a crime.
Nevertheless, he definitely realizes: he fell in love with Sore. Moreover, he has been married for a long time.
Such elegant films are almost never made these days. It is a rare gift! Park Chan-wook is one of the finest film artists in the world.
Even the routine like eating dinner and brushing teeth - he shoots with amazing visual expression. The skillful cameraman, Kim Ji-young worked with the dirctor on The Decision to Leave. He has previously made other excellent Korean films such as "Bitter and Sweet" and "Return of the Hero".
Together with Park Chan-wook, Kim made a film of phenomenal beauty.
The camera constantly grabs unexpected angles: the fine glimpses at the characters from the eyes of a fish lying on the counter or from the face of a dead man, on which ants are crawling. There are enough such inventive shots in the film!
Park Chan-wook brilliantly uses glass surfaces among all other things: the mirror in the interrogation room, computer monitors, phone screens, windows. He peers through them into the faces of the characters and draws the most complex compositions.
This film is a real dance of projections and reflections.
It is a compelling adult love story.
The Decision to Leave is first of all a deeply intimate love story and only then it is a detective or thriller.
The relationship between Haejung and Song Sore is tangible, fragile, and alive. The detective can't pay enough attention to the suspect but he can arrange a break in the interrogation, order the most expensive set of sushi for her and himself - and turn the inquiry procedure almost into a date.
He follows her day and night, so the couple slowly draws closer... and now Haejun again looks through the camera into Sore's apartment - and as if he gets there, finds himself on the sofa with her, catching the ashes from her smoldering cigarette in a cup.
Modern technologies are also becoming a way of rapprochement. In cinema, they are often used for the opposite purpose: to show alienation between people; but Park Chan-wook finds other uses for gadgets. A smartphone with a translator helps to find the right words and understand each other. Smart watches record momentary observations - precious little things that he and she will then listen to over and over again.
The director shows the contrast between the detective's relationship with his mistress and wife. The wife believes that regular sex is needed for a strong relationship, and a doctor will help to cope with insomnia. Perhaps for some these methods work... but Haejun is truly happy with someone who walks hand in hand with him and doesn't share a bed. At the same time, by its mere presence, it helps to fall asleep peacefully.
At the same time, Park Chan-wook does not forget for a minute that “The Decision to Leave” is also neo-noir.
The film follows the rules of the genre: a femme fatale will definitely deceive, and a smart detective will let himself be deceived. Be prepared: as the finale, "The decision to leave" will breaks the viewer's heart to smithereens.
website
Еhe thrillerб Decision to Leave will be released in cinemas soon. It is a new work by Pak Chan-wook, one of the main directors of South Korea.
This movie works great both as a detective story and as a romantic story. Like Pak's previous films, The Decision to Leave is smart and breathtakingly beautiful.
It is one of the best in 2022 IMHO.
Who will like it? Everyone, but especially Park's fans.
A body of an experienced rock climber is found at the foot of a cliff near Busan. His things were left on top of th cliff - probably, we are talking about a premeditated murder.
A tired, honest criminalist named Haezhong takes over the investigation. Due to insomnia, he works day and night.
The wife of the deceased immediately becomes the main suspect. She is a Chinese womanm Son Sore. Her husband was a scoundrel and beat his wife, so she has a motive.
In addition, they discover the evidence that indirectly points to Sore: her epithelium remained under the nails of the corpse.
And in the very first conversation with the investigation, the girl declares to the police: “Finally, climbing the rocks finished him off.” - Either she chooses the words unsuccessfully because of her poor knowledge of Korean, or she really rejoices in the murder.
Haejun begins to follow the suspect. It turns out that Sore works as a nurse, helping grandmothers. For dinner, she eats ice cream, she likes to smoke but even after careful surveillance, the detective does not understand whether the girl committed a crime.
Nevertheless, he definitely realizes: he fell in love with Sore. Moreover, he has been married for a long time.
Such elegant films are almost never made these days. It is a rare gift! Park Chan-wook is one of the finest film artists in the world.
Even the routine like eating dinner and brushing teeth - he shoots with amazing visual expression. The skillful cameraman, Kim Ji-young worked with the dirctor on The Decision to Leave. He has previously made other excellent Korean films such as "Bitter and Sweet" and "Return of the Hero".
Together with Park Chan-wook, Kim made a film of phenomenal beauty.
The camera constantly grabs unexpected angles: the fine glimpses at the characters from the eyes of a fish lying on the counter or from the face of a dead man, on which ants are crawling. There are enough such inventive shots in the film!
Park Chan-wook brilliantly uses glass surfaces among all other things: the mirror in the interrogation room, computer monitors, phone screens, windows. He peers through them into the faces of the characters and draws the most complex compositions.
This film is a real dance of projections and reflections.
It is a compelling adult love story.
The Decision to Leave is first of all a deeply intimate love story and only then it is a detective or thriller.
The relationship between Haejung and Song Sore is tangible, fragile, and alive. The detective can't pay enough attention to the suspect but he can arrange a break in the interrogation, order the most expensive set of sushi for her and himself - and turn the inquiry procedure almost into a date.
He follows her day and night, so the couple slowly draws closer... and now Haejun again looks through the camera into Sore's apartment - and as if he gets there, finds himself on the sofa with her, catching the ashes from her smoldering cigarette in a cup.
Modern technologies are also becoming a way of rapprochement. In cinema, they are often used for the opposite purpose: to show alienation between people; but Park Chan-wook finds other uses for gadgets. A smartphone with a translator helps to find the right words and understand each other. Smart watches record momentary observations - precious little things that he and she will then listen to over and over again.
The director shows the contrast between the detective's relationship with his mistress and wife. The wife believes that regular sex is needed for a strong relationship, and a doctor will help to cope with insomnia. Perhaps for some these methods work... but Haejun is truly happy with someone who walks hand in hand with him and doesn't share a bed. At the same time, by its mere presence, it helps to fall asleep peacefully.
At the same time, Park Chan-wook does not forget for a minute that “The Decision to Leave” is also neo-noir.
The film follows the rules of the genre: a femme fatale will definitely deceive, and a smart detective will let himself be deceived. Be prepared: as the finale, "The decision to leave" will breaks the viewer's heart to smithereens.
MURU
website
review by David Black
What if doing the right thing means being an enemy of both sides in a battle where no one wins?
Muru is an action packed drama with love, community and pathos. It is inspired by the events of October 2007 when the New Zealand police conducted 'Anti-Terrorism' raids on the Tūhoe community of Urewera, in an event that sparked nationwide controversy.
One thing that I loved about this film is that it features a predominantly Maori cast and much of the dialogue is in the Tūhoe language. The writer and director, Tearepa Kahi, is also a New Zealand native of Ngāti Paoa and Waikato Tainui descent. This in itself sets it apart from the standard Hollywood churn and is a breath of fresh air.
Our point of view character is Police Sergeant ‘Taffy’ Tāwharau, played by Cliff Curtis. As a Tūhoe law enforcement officer, he is torn between upholding questionable laws and caring for his community in a country town so small and tight that his duties also include driving the school bus.
Cliff is an actor of international renown whose credits include film credits include Once Were Warriors (1994), Three Kings (1999), Training Day (2001), Whale Rider (2002), Collateral Damage (2002), Sunshine, Live Free or Die Hard (both 2007), The Dark Horse (2014), for which he won the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor, and Doctor Sleep (2019). He also had television series roles on NBC's Trauma and ABC's Body of Proof and Missing. From 2015 to 2017, he portrayed Travis Manawa on the AMC horror drama series Fear the Walking Dead.
One of our main antagonists is the activist, Tāme Iti, who is played by himself. You don’t get much more genuine than this! The movie however is not a documentary or a re-enactment of events. Muru pitches itself as "a response.” The very name “Muru” is a Māori concept for "forgiveness".
What I enjoyed most about this film was that I felt that I’d become a part of the Tūhoe community. I laughed, loved and cried with them. This is story telling at its greatest and the events covered deserve to be told with this high level of skill and sensitivity.
website
review by David Black
What if doing the right thing means being an enemy of both sides in a battle where no one wins?
Muru is an action packed drama with love, community and pathos. It is inspired by the events of October 2007 when the New Zealand police conducted 'Anti-Terrorism' raids on the Tūhoe community of Urewera, in an event that sparked nationwide controversy.
One thing that I loved about this film is that it features a predominantly Maori cast and much of the dialogue is in the Tūhoe language. The writer and director, Tearepa Kahi, is also a New Zealand native of Ngāti Paoa and Waikato Tainui descent. This in itself sets it apart from the standard Hollywood churn and is a breath of fresh air.
Our point of view character is Police Sergeant ‘Taffy’ Tāwharau, played by Cliff Curtis. As a Tūhoe law enforcement officer, he is torn between upholding questionable laws and caring for his community in a country town so small and tight that his duties also include driving the school bus.
Cliff is an actor of international renown whose credits include film credits include Once Were Warriors (1994), Three Kings (1999), Training Day (2001), Whale Rider (2002), Collateral Damage (2002), Sunshine, Live Free or Die Hard (both 2007), The Dark Horse (2014), for which he won the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actor, and Doctor Sleep (2019). He also had television series roles on NBC's Trauma and ABC's Body of Proof and Missing. From 2015 to 2017, he portrayed Travis Manawa on the AMC horror drama series Fear the Walking Dead.
One of our main antagonists is the activist, Tāme Iti, who is played by himself. You don’t get much more genuine than this! The movie however is not a documentary or a re-enactment of events. Muru pitches itself as "a response.” The very name “Muru” is a Māori concept for "forgiveness".
What I enjoyed most about this film was that I felt that I’d become a part of the Tūhoe community. I laughed, loved and cried with them. This is story telling at its greatest and the events covered deserve to be told with this high level of skill and sensitivity.
HALLOWEEN ENDS
website
David Gordon Green draws a final line in the story about the maniac, Michael Myers. It is the last part of the rebooted franchise about the incredibly brutal killer. Michael walks around with a giant knife wearing an ugly white mask. The film tells the story about the events four years after Halloween Kills, in addition, a little reality will be brought into the picture while a deadly virus is also raging in the world. There are more characters, heroines Kyle Richards (as a child she played in the original Halloween by John Carpenter), Andy Matichak and, of course, Jamie Lee Curtis who will again have to confront the restless murderer.
David Gordon Green completes his trilogy of sequels (originally started by John Carpenter's classic "Halloween"). This will be the 13th film with Michael Myers, indestructible as evil itself, going on the hunt. It is the end of the franchise that gave the world slasher movies with impassive killing machine that has terrorized civilians on All Saints' Day for over forty years.
Mike is the centerpiece of this blood-thumping horror. He spent a lot of time in the walls of a psychiatric hospital but each time he found a way to escape from a strictly guarded institution and began to create sheer chaos. This cruel man with frightening ease turned the life of the peaceful inhabitants of the glorious town of Haddonfield into a pitch hell. The frightened population was forced to hide in their homes and try not to appear on the streets after dark. Of coursem such warning did not save them from death.
For a long time maniac Michael was hunted by a brave woman, Laurie Strode (who abuses alcohol, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and tries to survive in the American outback). It seemed to her that she managed to defeat her sworn enemy and return the long-awaited peace to the twon people... but even after 40 years, Myers is not going to stop... Neither bullets nor fire could take him. Every time he would miraculously managed to resurrect. This time, a desperate lady in the company of her brave comrades-in-arms and close relatives plans to deprive him of his power. A rather unconventional weapon will be used, which will not give the ruthless psychopath a single chance of survival.
When Laurie was still very young, she first encountered this absolute evil monster in a clown mask who preyed on couples indulging in carnal love. His first victim was his own sister, whom the boy found with her boyfriend. Having miraculously survived Halloween night and having lost two of her best friends, Laurie learns the terrible truth: Michael IS her older brother! Since he did not die, but mysteriously disappeared, the girl's life turned into a real hell. The brother did not like to leave the work unfinished and began to hunt for it. Laurie faked her own death, but then her daughter got threatened. Several subsequent duels with Mike also did not work, almost actually sending her to another world.
However, Laurie turns out to be a worthy sister of her unkillable brother. Only she can oppose him on an equal footing. Laurie is now a grandmother of Allison, and is working on her memoir, finally finding the strength to come to terms with the past, leaving fear and hatred behind. There is a murder of a child that takes place and, although the boy who looked after him under suspicion, she unmistakably feels Michael's "handwriting" in what happened. NOW a decisive "life or death" battle cannot be avoided. Laurie is forced to experience the full range of emotions. She is ready to destroy him. The maniac has traps everywhere. And he always looks a few steps ahead and try to kill the entire Strode family.. Lauri now has the support of her daughter and granddaughter who initially did not believe her fears,
So for whom this will be the last nght?
website
David Gordon Green draws a final line in the story about the maniac, Michael Myers. It is the last part of the rebooted franchise about the incredibly brutal killer. Michael walks around with a giant knife wearing an ugly white mask. The film tells the story about the events four years after Halloween Kills, in addition, a little reality will be brought into the picture while a deadly virus is also raging in the world. There are more characters, heroines Kyle Richards (as a child she played in the original Halloween by John Carpenter), Andy Matichak and, of course, Jamie Lee Curtis who will again have to confront the restless murderer.
David Gordon Green completes his trilogy of sequels (originally started by John Carpenter's classic "Halloween"). This will be the 13th film with Michael Myers, indestructible as evil itself, going on the hunt. It is the end of the franchise that gave the world slasher movies with impassive killing machine that has terrorized civilians on All Saints' Day for over forty years.
Mike is the centerpiece of this blood-thumping horror. He spent a lot of time in the walls of a psychiatric hospital but each time he found a way to escape from a strictly guarded institution and began to create sheer chaos. This cruel man with frightening ease turned the life of the peaceful inhabitants of the glorious town of Haddonfield into a pitch hell. The frightened population was forced to hide in their homes and try not to appear on the streets after dark. Of coursem such warning did not save them from death.
For a long time maniac Michael was hunted by a brave woman, Laurie Strode (who abuses alcohol, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and tries to survive in the American outback). It seemed to her that she managed to defeat her sworn enemy and return the long-awaited peace to the twon people... but even after 40 years, Myers is not going to stop... Neither bullets nor fire could take him. Every time he would miraculously managed to resurrect. This time, a desperate lady in the company of her brave comrades-in-arms and close relatives plans to deprive him of his power. A rather unconventional weapon will be used, which will not give the ruthless psychopath a single chance of survival.
When Laurie was still very young, she first encountered this absolute evil monster in a clown mask who preyed on couples indulging in carnal love. His first victim was his own sister, whom the boy found with her boyfriend. Having miraculously survived Halloween night and having lost two of her best friends, Laurie learns the terrible truth: Michael IS her older brother! Since he did not die, but mysteriously disappeared, the girl's life turned into a real hell. The brother did not like to leave the work unfinished and began to hunt for it. Laurie faked her own death, but then her daughter got threatened. Several subsequent duels with Mike also did not work, almost actually sending her to another world.
However, Laurie turns out to be a worthy sister of her unkillable brother. Only she can oppose him on an equal footing. Laurie is now a grandmother of Allison, and is working on her memoir, finally finding the strength to come to terms with the past, leaving fear and hatred behind. There is a murder of a child that takes place and, although the boy who looked after him under suspicion, she unmistakably feels Michael's "handwriting" in what happened. NOW a decisive "life or death" battle cannot be avoided. Laurie is forced to experience the full range of emotions. She is ready to destroy him. The maniac has traps everywhere. And he always looks a few steps ahead and try to kill the entire Strode family.. Lauri now has the support of her daughter and granddaughter who initially did not believe her fears,
So for whom this will be the last nght?
A TASTE OF HUNGER
website
review by David Black
A Taste of Hunger
What if the pursuit for the very thing you believe will make everything great will actually cost you all that you dearly value?
A Taste of Hunger is a Danish drama that centres around a family owned restaurant, however, this is no ordinary eatery. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays Carsten, a fastidious chef and loving father. Katrine Greis-Rosenthal is Maggie, his wife and the restaurant owner.
Together, they run one of the fanciest establishments imaginable. Their goal is to win the legendary Michelin Star, which is the highest possible accolade in the culinary world. If only they can achieve this, they believe that success will come their way and they will live happily ever after.
Carsten and Maggie have two beautiful children, played by Flora Augusta as Chloe and August Vinkel as August. Their wants are not necessarily the same as their parents. They prefer hot dogs to oysters and have much simpler needs.
The movie itself is presented in the most beautiful, rich colour palette which compliments the delicacies that we see being so gracefully prepared. The dramas that are to unfold are revealed in four parts that are framed by the flavours of fattiness, freshness, sweetness, and saltiness.
Don’t make the mistake of writing this off as being merely a foodies movie though because it is a story of high drama with all the highs and lows. We have topics of love, infidelity and family within a scrumptious frame work. We certainly go on a prodigious adventure that at times is quite the white knuckle affair. So much so that you might feel the need for a seatbelt to sit at this table.
website
review by David Black
A Taste of Hunger
What if the pursuit for the very thing you believe will make everything great will actually cost you all that you dearly value?
A Taste of Hunger is a Danish drama that centres around a family owned restaurant, however, this is no ordinary eatery. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays Carsten, a fastidious chef and loving father. Katrine Greis-Rosenthal is Maggie, his wife and the restaurant owner.
Together, they run one of the fanciest establishments imaginable. Their goal is to win the legendary Michelin Star, which is the highest possible accolade in the culinary world. If only they can achieve this, they believe that success will come their way and they will live happily ever after.
Carsten and Maggie have two beautiful children, played by Flora Augusta as Chloe and August Vinkel as August. Their wants are not necessarily the same as their parents. They prefer hot dogs to oysters and have much simpler needs.
The movie itself is presented in the most beautiful, rich colour palette which compliments the delicacies that we see being so gracefully prepared. The dramas that are to unfold are revealed in four parts that are framed by the flavours of fattiness, freshness, sweetness, and saltiness.
Don’t make the mistake of writing this off as being merely a foodies movie though because it is a story of high drama with all the highs and lows. We have topics of love, infidelity and family within a scrumptious frame work. We certainly go on a prodigious adventure that at times is quite the white knuckle affair. So much so that you might feel the need for a seatbelt to sit at this table.
THE YIN & YANG OF GERRY LOPEZ
website
review by Lylah McKenzie
Whether you’re really into surfing or just wanting to look at the spiritual balance within yourself I highly suggest this film. This is a documentary by Stacy Peralta, about the journey of Gerry Lopez’s life and what he considered his ‘Yin and Yang’ - surfing/ snowboarding and yoga. They interviewed Gerry’s family and friends to talk about their relationship with the surfer and their experiences with him.
It starts from when he was a young teen, just getting into surfing and his journey with starting is own business making and selling surfboards after he decided collage wasn’t for him. It goes through all his travels, life accomplishments and a few of his nasty injuries he copped along the way - with real images. Personally my favourite part was when he was talking about his injuries and how he managed to get straight back into surfing even after going to hospital multiple times throughout his life, it really goes to show nothing can stop you if you truly love what you do.
They added the original videos into this documentary, and it really wouldn’t have been the same without them. It was amazing to see not only the waves he accomplished but also to see his mannerisms while surfing, Lopez mentioned that once he was steady on the board he would rub his nose quickly before continuing to surf during a competition as an intimidation tactic. So while he did have a very relaxed state of mind, he was also very competitive. This never really when away until Gerry and his son Alex started surfing together.
This is a very inspiring story and I found that it was quite interesting to delve into the deeper aspects of someone like Gerry Lopez. His dedication and joy for what he loves really makes this documentary worth watching, especially if you’re struggling yourself with who you are and where you are at this particular point in life. It’s a beautiful story of friendship, love, spirituality and in general just being happy. It was very uplifting to watch.
Gerry and Stacy have been travelling with this film throughout Europe and the US and are currently going through Australia and NZ. Not only did we get to watch the film, Gerry Lopez and Stacy Peralta stayed for a Q&A after the film, which is a great way to end the night.
website
review by Lylah McKenzie
Whether you’re really into surfing or just wanting to look at the spiritual balance within yourself I highly suggest this film. This is a documentary by Stacy Peralta, about the journey of Gerry Lopez’s life and what he considered his ‘Yin and Yang’ - surfing/ snowboarding and yoga. They interviewed Gerry’s family and friends to talk about their relationship with the surfer and their experiences with him.
It starts from when he was a young teen, just getting into surfing and his journey with starting is own business making and selling surfboards after he decided collage wasn’t for him. It goes through all his travels, life accomplishments and a few of his nasty injuries he copped along the way - with real images. Personally my favourite part was when he was talking about his injuries and how he managed to get straight back into surfing even after going to hospital multiple times throughout his life, it really goes to show nothing can stop you if you truly love what you do.
They added the original videos into this documentary, and it really wouldn’t have been the same without them. It was amazing to see not only the waves he accomplished but also to see his mannerisms while surfing, Lopez mentioned that once he was steady on the board he would rub his nose quickly before continuing to surf during a competition as an intimidation tactic. So while he did have a very relaxed state of mind, he was also very competitive. This never really when away until Gerry and his son Alex started surfing together.
This is a very inspiring story and I found that it was quite interesting to delve into the deeper aspects of someone like Gerry Lopez. His dedication and joy for what he loves really makes this documentary worth watching, especially if you’re struggling yourself with who you are and where you are at this particular point in life. It’s a beautiful story of friendship, love, spirituality and in general just being happy. It was very uplifting to watch.
Gerry and Stacy have been travelling with this film throughout Europe and the US and are currently going through Australia and NZ. Not only did we get to watch the film, Gerry Lopez and Stacy Peralta stayed for a Q&A after the film, which is a great way to end the night.
British Film Festival 2022
FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS 2: ONE AND ALL
website
review and photos by David Black and Grace Liu
British Film Festival 2022
Media Preview, Como, Wed 5 October.
Grace and I had a fantastic time at the preview screening of "Fisherman's Friends 2: One and All"
It is one of many films showing across multiple Palace venues for the 2022 Cunard British Film Festival. This is a special year as it is their 10th anniversary and judging from their amazing selection, they are still going strong. You can see everything from romcoms to documentaries. One of the highlights is the 60th anniversary of James Bond where they will be showing some of the classics restored to 4k.
“Fisherman’s Friends 2: One and All” is a follow up to the highly successful 2019 film, “Fisherman’s Friends” which is a comedy drama that is based on the true story about a band of Cornish fishermen from Port Isaac who were signed by Universal Records and achieved a top 10 hit with their debut album of traditional sea shanties.
You don’t need to have seen the first film to enjoy this one. I wasn’t even aware of the original until after the screening when curiosity compelled me to find out more about the Fisherman’s Friends.
The description of the film provided by the festival is “who said pop stardom would be easy? Following their breakthrough release, the Fisherman’s Friends are back and now facing the dreaded ‘second album’ syndrome with push back from the record executives and huge expectations from fans. It is all a bit much!”
I’m glad that this was provided because although I loved the film, I found that it wasn’t so clear that there was one main theme. This story is based on true events, so it doesn’t follow Hollywood formula. It is easy to get lost in the everyday events in the hardy community in the scenic town of Port Isaac.
There is a constant theme of old class British values colliding with corporate “woke” culture. We experience the struggle of our characters facing change while trying to hold onto tradition. Actress Maggie Steed, who plays the matriarchal character of Maggie sums up the clash between our sturdy Port Isaac community and the prissy city types in one classic line – “You gotta be able to fill a bra before you can burn one!”
On the surface, this is a tale about a band facing challenges after the giddy heights of being a one hit wonder to overcoming them, releasing a second album and crowning it off with a glorious performance at the Glastonbury Festival.
The real story though is about a small traditional Welsh community facing the everyday challenges of life while being confronted by the demands of a modern world, as presented by record executives and the media. One is steeped in love, camaraderie and tradition, while the other is ever changing and reeks of fake fealty as our city characters Kowtow to political correctness and woke culture. The clash of two cultures leads to many humorous scenes.
FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS 2: ONE AND ALL
website
review and photos by David Black and Grace Liu
British Film Festival 2022
Media Preview, Como, Wed 5 October.
Grace and I had a fantastic time at the preview screening of "Fisherman's Friends 2: One and All"
It is one of many films showing across multiple Palace venues for the 2022 Cunard British Film Festival. This is a special year as it is their 10th anniversary and judging from their amazing selection, they are still going strong. You can see everything from romcoms to documentaries. One of the highlights is the 60th anniversary of James Bond where they will be showing some of the classics restored to 4k.
“Fisherman’s Friends 2: One and All” is a follow up to the highly successful 2019 film, “Fisherman’s Friends” which is a comedy drama that is based on the true story about a band of Cornish fishermen from Port Isaac who were signed by Universal Records and achieved a top 10 hit with their debut album of traditional sea shanties.
You don’t need to have seen the first film to enjoy this one. I wasn’t even aware of the original until after the screening when curiosity compelled me to find out more about the Fisherman’s Friends.
The description of the film provided by the festival is “who said pop stardom would be easy? Following their breakthrough release, the Fisherman’s Friends are back and now facing the dreaded ‘second album’ syndrome with push back from the record executives and huge expectations from fans. It is all a bit much!”
I’m glad that this was provided because although I loved the film, I found that it wasn’t so clear that there was one main theme. This story is based on true events, so it doesn’t follow Hollywood formula. It is easy to get lost in the everyday events in the hardy community in the scenic town of Port Isaac.
There is a constant theme of old class British values colliding with corporate “woke” culture. We experience the struggle of our characters facing change while trying to hold onto tradition. Actress Maggie Steed, who plays the matriarchal character of Maggie sums up the clash between our sturdy Port Isaac community and the prissy city types in one classic line – “You gotta be able to fill a bra before you can burn one!”
On the surface, this is a tale about a band facing challenges after the giddy heights of being a one hit wonder to overcoming them, releasing a second album and crowning it off with a glorious performance at the Glastonbury Festival.
The real story though is about a small traditional Welsh community facing the everyday challenges of life while being confronted by the demands of a modern world, as presented by record executives and the media. One is steeped in love, camaraderie and tradition, while the other is ever changing and reeks of fake fealty as our city characters Kowtow to political correctness and woke culture. The clash of two cultures leads to many humorous scenes.
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DON'T WORRY DARLING
website
review by Marina Sklyar
"It does not matter where we go, as long as we are together, this is a promise my love..."
It is a psychological thriller, directed by gorgeous Olivia Wilde who has also played a major female acting role.
What a talent, natural and youthful beauty she is!
How would you like to leave in a perfect world, where all it is provided to you?
This movie will take you there, to the wprld perfection. After all, we all want to live in a perfect world and enjoy that ride to the perfect world.
But what IF you start getting the glams of your previous life back, would you choose to go back to reality or be willingly or unwillingly participating in the trapped illusion of cyber, made up world?
Would you stay loyal to the partner who has made all the choices for both of you? Can you let go of the reality? WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOOOOSEEEEE?
This movie makes you think exact those questions, very intriguing and powerful story of life, love and reality.
website
review by Marina Sklyar
"It does not matter where we go, as long as we are together, this is a promise my love..."
It is a psychological thriller, directed by gorgeous Olivia Wilde who has also played a major female acting role.
What a talent, natural and youthful beauty she is!
How would you like to leave in a perfect world, where all it is provided to you?
This movie will take you there, to the wprld perfection. After all, we all want to live in a perfect world and enjoy that ride to the perfect world.
But what IF you start getting the glams of your previous life back, would you choose to go back to reality or be willingly or unwillingly participating in the trapped illusion of cyber, made up world?
Would you stay loyal to the partner who has made all the choices for both of you? Can you let go of the reality? WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOOOOSEEEEE?
This movie makes you think exact those questions, very intriguing and powerful story of life, love and reality.
UNDER COVER
website
review by Jeanette Russell
Undercover is the story of homeless women Linda Sarah Jane describes water rats , mice and cockroaches in her sleeping environment. Claire says society blames people for homelessness. The common thread is that these women believed it couldn't happen to them. As she lost her job, a relationship and her home, all at the same time Claire ascertained that " things spiralled out of control ".. Nada came to Australia from overseas. It's a sad acknowledgement that her father asked her to not return home if she left at age 18.
Statistics are showing that women aged from 50 to 55 are becoming more predominant in the homeless numbers than ever before. Women speaking out on this eye opening , thought provoking documentary never entertained the idea that they would be in this position. Claire G Coleman a writer , is up to her 3rd novel. It's going to be about 4 people 2 of which are homeless. She has been saying that homelessness must have been particularly hard during the pandemic at the start when people needed to stay at home, Many women experience homelessness because of domestic violence. Rama was with her husband for over 40 years. Because of the abuse by her ex husband, a military man, she left the marriage and was homeless. Rama is in short term accommodation for homeless women but says she feels supported there .
Some women, described in the movie,say that they have found themselves living in their cars, vans or even a bus. If they own a vehicle, one of the problems is having a place to park where they don't get moved on or incur fines. Whereas a number of homeless women live on the streets, especially if they don't have any money. There is a common thread too, where females over the age of 50 or 60 don't have super or any money saved to fall back on.. A statistic from the film, states that "A staggering 405,000 Australian women over 50 are at risk of homelessness today."
There are several challenges that present themselves to this vulnerable group of women: weather conditions, maintenance of a vehicle if they have one, Growing older and being homeless, not knowing where to go from one day to the next. What to do with belongings just to name a few. Fear, anxiety, loneliness and depression can play a large part, for these females, without a home, and be major issues for them.
I found it so moving to watch this movie and see the bravery of this group, their willingness to share and be open ,and even try to help support others and the cause of older Women's Homelessness. Please watch this very touching doco . It's a really educational and informative film. The importance of being aware of this vital, and pressing concern, I believe, is something all Australians could watch and learn about. From Backlot Films this is one not to be missed. Out for release , at selected cinemas on the 6 th of October, it's narrated by Margot Robbie. Produced, written and directed by Sue Thompson the documentary was headlined at the Melbourne International film Festival in August. .
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review by Jeanette Russell
Undercover is the story of homeless women Linda Sarah Jane describes water rats , mice and cockroaches in her sleeping environment. Claire says society blames people for homelessness. The common thread is that these women believed it couldn't happen to them. As she lost her job, a relationship and her home, all at the same time Claire ascertained that " things spiralled out of control ".. Nada came to Australia from overseas. It's a sad acknowledgement that her father asked her to not return home if she left at age 18.
Statistics are showing that women aged from 50 to 55 are becoming more predominant in the homeless numbers than ever before. Women speaking out on this eye opening , thought provoking documentary never entertained the idea that they would be in this position. Claire G Coleman a writer , is up to her 3rd novel. It's going to be about 4 people 2 of which are homeless. She has been saying that homelessness must have been particularly hard during the pandemic at the start when people needed to stay at home, Many women experience homelessness because of domestic violence. Rama was with her husband for over 40 years. Because of the abuse by her ex husband, a military man, she left the marriage and was homeless. Rama is in short term accommodation for homeless women but says she feels supported there .
Some women, described in the movie,say that they have found themselves living in their cars, vans or even a bus. If they own a vehicle, one of the problems is having a place to park where they don't get moved on or incur fines. Whereas a number of homeless women live on the streets, especially if they don't have any money. There is a common thread too, where females over the age of 50 or 60 don't have super or any money saved to fall back on.. A statistic from the film, states that "A staggering 405,000 Australian women over 50 are at risk of homelessness today."
There are several challenges that present themselves to this vulnerable group of women: weather conditions, maintenance of a vehicle if they have one, Growing older and being homeless, not knowing where to go from one day to the next. What to do with belongings just to name a few. Fear, anxiety, loneliness and depression can play a large part, for these females, without a home, and be major issues for them.
I found it so moving to watch this movie and see the bravery of this group, their willingness to share and be open ,and even try to help support others and the cause of older Women's Homelessness. Please watch this very touching doco . It's a really educational and informative film. The importance of being aware of this vital, and pressing concern, I believe, is something all Australians could watch and learn about. From Backlot Films this is one not to be missed. Out for release , at selected cinemas on the 6 th of October, it's narrated by Margot Robbie. Produced, written and directed by Sue Thompson the documentary was headlined at the Melbourne International film Festival in August. .
EMBRACE: KIDS
website
This is such a well done film!
It is a genuine message on how we should perceive our physical bodies. And we constantly need to be reminded about it!
The media pressure us to be this or that and we tend to forget about our true identity. This affects our mental and emotional states. Finally, it is all about our own happiness, our way to be and no one else's life! We are not here to please anyone else with who we are through the fake images and lies.
The film is about children but it relates to any age. It is also important to send this positive message to the kids as early as possible - how to love themselves. Kids' minds get easily poisoned and trapped with false values around us: better outfits, better food people eat posting endless images online, happier online smiles while thy feel bad, usually eat boring and plain food and dress ordinary when no one is watching. It is a waste of time while you forget your main purpose in life. It is never about posing in front of the mirror trying to impress virtual audience: life has better and more important values. After all: we are all the same if we experience the same feelings: love, care, grief or sadness.
What will this new generation learn from us? How to look gorgeous in the mirror or how to learn more about the truth of this world? I can not even talk about it, it is not even the question. And what happens if you do not reflect the image the others expect of you? Depression in the best case scenario...
Life should be built about positivity about your body and self-acceptance to start with and your physical uniqueness. The message is not only for kids but for the parents.
website
This is such a well done film!
It is a genuine message on how we should perceive our physical bodies. And we constantly need to be reminded about it!
The media pressure us to be this or that and we tend to forget about our true identity. This affects our mental and emotional states. Finally, it is all about our own happiness, our way to be and no one else's life! We are not here to please anyone else with who we are through the fake images and lies.
The film is about children but it relates to any age. It is also important to send this positive message to the kids as early as possible - how to love themselves. Kids' minds get easily poisoned and trapped with false values around us: better outfits, better food people eat posting endless images online, happier online smiles while thy feel bad, usually eat boring and plain food and dress ordinary when no one is watching. It is a waste of time while you forget your main purpose in life. It is never about posing in front of the mirror trying to impress virtual audience: life has better and more important values. After all: we are all the same if we experience the same feelings: love, care, grief or sadness.
What will this new generation learn from us? How to look gorgeous in the mirror or how to learn more about the truth of this world? I can not even talk about it, it is not even the question. And what happens if you do not reflect the image the others expect of you? Depression in the best case scenario...
Life should be built about positivity about your body and self-acceptance to start with and your physical uniqueness. The message is not only for kids but for the parents.
LITTL MONSTERS
website
review by Ncole Stenton
Little Monsters Review
If you’re looking for a fun movie to watch with your kids these holidays, Little Monsters is it! While it hasn’t received the same promotion and hype as other movies currently out, it certainly was a fun watch and thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family.
Little Monsters tells the story of a teenager, Christine who sets out to discover why the house she has just moved in to has strange happening and to the locals seems to be haunted. She discovers that the running of every house is due to invisible creatures known as Finns. They make sure the houses they are designated to run smoothly. After obtaining some fur from Finnick, her houses Finn she discovers she can see all of the Finns while wearing it. This starts the adventure of Christine and Finnick working together to find out why horrible things keep happening in their town. Can they work together to stop the bad events from continuing?
website
review by Ncole Stenton
Little Monsters Review
If you’re looking for a fun movie to watch with your kids these holidays, Little Monsters is it! While it hasn’t received the same promotion and hype as other movies currently out, it certainly was a fun watch and thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family.
Little Monsters tells the story of a teenager, Christine who sets out to discover why the house she has just moved in to has strange happening and to the locals seems to be haunted. She discovers that the running of every house is due to invisible creatures known as Finns. They make sure the houses they are designated to run smoothly. After obtaining some fur from Finnick, her houses Finn she discovers she can see all of the Finns while wearing it. This starts the adventure of Christine and Finnick working together to find out why horrible things keep happening in their town. Can they work together to stop the bad events from continuing?
